The Ultimate Online Video Poker Guide for 2023

Video poker has roots in Europe, where the original poker game originated. However, in the 1970s, when computers began to take over American casinos, video poker took off. Si Redd, an employee at Bally Technologies, was responsible for creating this new concept but was initially met with resistance from company executives. Determined to see his idea come to fruition, Redd started his own company, Sircoma, which later became the multi-billion dollar company International Game Technology (IGT).

Despite initial skepticism, video poker finally found its way into Las Vegas casinos after nearly a decade of perseverance. The game was based on the draw version of poker, but it was the version called Jacks or Better, which required a player to have at least two jacks in their hand, that became the most popular and remains the most widely played version today.

The explosion of the internet has played a significant role in the widespread popularity of video poker. It's now a global phenomenon, not just limited to casinos. With the advent of online casinos, the game can be played by anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Video poker is a relatively straightforward game compared to other forms of poker. All versions use a standard 52-card deck, except for Joker Wild, which includes a joker card. The game begins by placing a wager and pressing the deal button, which deals out five cards. The player then has the option to discard or hold certain cards, and the machine replaces the discarded cards with new ones until the player has their final hand. The chances of winning depend on the last hand.

The ranking of cards in all versions of video poker is the same, but the payout ratios may vary. Typically, the highest ranking hand is a Royal Flush, followed by a straight flush, four-of-a-kind, full house, flush, and straight. The lowest ranking hands are three of a kind, two pairs, and one pair of jacks or better.
Unlike other casino games, video poker has only two possible outcomes: a loss or a win. The game can have a payout rate as high as 99.5%, and players can make a profit with no house advantage.

In video poker, the ranking of hands is similar to traditional poker. The highest ranking hand is a Royal Flush, which consists of an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of the same suit. This is followed by a Straight Flush, which is any five cards of the same suit in consecutive order.

Next is Four of a Kind, four cards of the same rank, such as four Aces. Next, a Full House is three cards of the same level and two of another rank. Finally, a Flush is any five cards of the same suit, and a Straight is any five cards in consecutive order regardless of the suit.

Three of a Kind is three cards of the same rank, followed by Two Pairs, two cards of one rank, and two cards of another. Finally, one Pair is two cards of the same rank, and the lowest ranking hand is a High Card, which is any hand that does not meet the criteria for any of the above hands.

In summary:

1. Royal Flush
2. Straight Flush
3. Four of a Kind
4. Full House
5. Flush
6. Straight
7. Three of a Kind
8. Two Pairs
9. One Pair
10. High Card 

Remember that the hand ranking may vary depending on the version of video poker you are playing.

Video poker is a blend of old and new terms that gives it a unique flavor. Here are some standard terms you'll encounter when playing the game:

• Action: Refers to the total amount wagered by a player in a game.
• Bet Max: A wager of five coins per hand.
• Discard: Cards rejected by the player after the initial deal.
• Flush: A hand in which all five cards belong to the same suit.
• Four of a Kind: A hand in which all four cards have the same value.
• Full-House: A hand containing a pair and three of a kind.
• Hand: The cards dealt to the player by the machine.
• Hold: Cards accepted by the player after the initial deal.
• Jackpot: The highest bonus can be achieved for a royal flush.
• Pair: Two cards of the same value, such as two jacks or two twos.
• Pay Back: The projected payout ratio of a game, calculated from statistics for millions of hands.
• Payout: The amount awarded to the player for one hand.
• Pay Table: A listing of payouts for every scenario displayed on the screen.
• Royal Flush: The best possible hand in video poker, consisting of an ace-high flush of the same suit.
• Straight: Five consecutive cards, such as 1-5.
• Straight Flush: A straight that contains all cards of the same suit.
• Winning Hand: A hand that pays out a winning combination.